Is Your Senior Parent At High-Risk For Falls At Home?

Seniors who are living alone typically have a higher risk for falls. However, seniors who have health problems that can limit their mobility or who have other risk factors may have even higher chances of falling at home. Falls at home can be very serious for seniors who are living alone. If you don’t visit your mom or dad every day, or if you live far away, you should have 24-hour home care services for your mom or dad. With 24-hour home care, your mom or dad is never alone. That lowers their risk of falling at home. And if they do fall, someone will be there in the home to help them immediately.

There are a lot of factors that can increase the risk of your mom or dad falling at home. The biggest risk factors of falling at home for seniors include:

Medications with Side Effects

Many seniors take medications for various health conditions. Some medications, such as medications commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, pain relief, or anxiety, can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion.

These symptoms can make it harder for your mom or dad to keep their balance and be aware of their surroundings. Drug interactions can also increase the risk that your mom or dad will fall. Combining medications can make the side effects worse, and most seniors take multiple medications.

Low Blood Sugar Causing Dizziness

Seniors with conditions like diabetes may experience low blood sugar if they skip meals, take too much insulin, or have a hard time stabilizing their blood sugar. When blood sugar levels drop, symptoms such as dizziness, shakiness, or fainting can occur, increasing the likelihood of a fall.

If your mom or dad has diabetes or is prone to low blood sugar it’s a good idea for them to have 24-hour home care so someone is always in the home to help them and remind them to eat.

Poor Mobility and Muscle Weakness

Arthritis, joint pain, or other mobility issues can make walking and standing more difficult. Additionally, seniors who can’t exercise regularly may experience even greater weakness. If your mom or dad has poor mobility or muscle weakness that increases their risk of falling.
Providing assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, and encouraging gentle physical activity like walking or stretching can help improve mobility and reduce the chance of a fall.

Vision Problems

Poor vision can make it hard for your mom or dad to see obstacles, judge distances, or notice changes in flooring, like a step or a loose rug. Regular eye exams and proper lighting throughout the home can help your parent see more clearly and avoid tripping hazards.

Hazards in the Home Environment

Clutter, slippery floors, and poorly lit areas can make a senior’s home dangerous. Loose rugs, electrical cords, and uneven flooring are all common tripping hazards. Stairs without handrails and bathrooms without grab bars add to the risk.

Making the home safer by installing grab bars, removing clutter, and ensuring good lighting can significantly reduce the chances of a fall. Non-slip mats and securing rugs can also help. It’s also a good idea to get home care for your mom or dad so someone is in the home to help them get around the house safely.

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in the Overland Park KS area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City, today.

Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri, as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.

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Kevin Edwards

Owner at Elder Care of Kansas City

Kevin’s life and the lives of his immediate family have been impacted by caregivers – either as a patient or a caregiver - for as long as he can remember.He watched his mother take care of his grandmother until her death at the age of 97.Five years later, his father passed from a neurological disorder that was subsequently confirmed as Lewy Body Dementia.In 2007, his wife, Lori, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.The symptoms of Lori’s disease required Kevin to hire a caregiver during the periods of her relapses.

Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.

Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.

Latest posts by Kevin Edwards (see all)

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